Combination impact and  rozatable tool and socket holder



M. L. TIMMONS ETAL Feb. 7, 195.6

COMBINATION IMPACT AND RO'EPITABLE TOOL AND SOCKET HOLDER Filed sept. 7, 1954 Zd ,I

IN VEN TORS Zim; zfm

ATTO R N YS f5 y bij? E 0 @my United States Patent o Heej COMBINATION llVlPACT AND RTATABLE T L AND SOCKET HOLDER Melvin L. Timmons, LennonV Mins, nl., and Emil 0. Nelson, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application september, 1954.,.seria1 No. 454,476 4 Claims. (ci. :s1- 60) This invention relates to a tool, and more particularly to a tool for interchangeably or releasably supporting various members such as a punch, screwdriver, wrench or the like.

The object of the invention is to provide a tool which in one form can be used to hold a punch that is being hammered into engagement with a workpiece so that the danger of a person injuring his hand is eliminated or minimized, and wherein in another form of the invention a screwdriver shank or wrench head can be supported so that proper leverage canv be `imparted tothe tool to tighten or loosen a securing element.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool holder which has a positive action that is not dependent upon friction, and wherein the tool holder can be attached or mounted in a power or hand operated rotary tool or device.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tool kwhich has its own unique uses, and wherein the tool will receive certain standard tools and increase their effectiveness, the tool being compact and ruggedly constructed so that it can be hammered or otherwise handled without breaking the parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tool which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages Will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numeralsare used to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a top plan viewof the tool, constructed according to the present invention, and with parts broken away and in section.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the tool, with parts broken away and` in section, and showing a punch supported in the tool.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a modified arrangement of the tool, with parts broken away and in section, and showing a square end drive for a socket wrench being supported in the tool.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of another modified arrangement, with parts broken away and in section, and showing a screwdriver shank being supported and wherein there is used a T-head on top of the tool for imparting rotation to the screwdriver shank.

Figure 7 is a side elevation of another modification wherein a punch is supported in the tool.

Figure 8 is a sectional View taken through a modified head that may be made of plastic, lead or other suitable material so that thetool can be used as a mallet without `marring or damaging the surface of the element being worked upon.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the locking plate.

2,733,623 Patented Feb. `7, 195.6

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of another modication, with parts broken away and in section, wherein a tool holder is shown having a modified body member provided with a tapered bore or the likeso that the device can be readily attached to various rotary power or hand operated tools.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numerallt] designates a base that can be made of any suitable material, and the base includes an annular Aside wall 11 and an end wall 14, Figure 2. The end wall 14 is provided with a central threaded opening 15, anda hollow bushing 16 has a Vthreaded portion 17 arranged in engagement with the threaded opening 15. TheV bushing 16 further includes an exteriorly knurled portion 18 and the base 10 has a knurled portion 12, and these knurled portions facilitate the gripping or manual rotation of the parts.

As shown in Figure 2, a shank 20 which may form part of a punch 19 is being held by the tool, and a portion of the shank of the punch 19 is cutaway as at 21 to provide a at surface for a purpose to be later described. The tool further includes a body member 22 that ernbodies an annular exteriorly threaded shoulder 23 that threadedly engages the inner surface of the wall 11 of the base 10, and the inner end of the body member 22 is provided with a socket 24 for receiving the end of the shank 20. A bore 73 is also provided for receiving one end of a spring 74, Figures 2 and 4.

For locking the punch 19 in the tool, a locking plate 26 is provided, Figures 2 and 9, and the spring pressed locking plate 26 includes a lug 72 that engages one end of the coil spring 74, the spring serving to bias or urge the locking plate to the position shown in Figure 2 in order to facilitate theinsertion or removal of the shank 20. Also, theilocking plate 26 includes a lug 29 that engages a lip 25 which depends from the shoulder 23 of The lip 2S is further provided with the body member. a cutout 66, Figures 2 and 4. The sides 67 of the lug 29 coincide with the cutout 66 and prevent independent rotation of the locking plate 26 with respect to the body member 22. The locking plate 26 is further provided with a cutout 27 through which projects the inner end of the shank 20, and the cutout 27 defines a flat portion 2S which engages or abuts the flat surface 21 `of the shank 20. Thus, it Will be seen that due to the position of the coacting flat surfaces 21 and 28, when the base 10 and bushing 16 are rotatedl to the proper position, camming action will result between the coacting or abutting flat surfaces 28 and 21 to thereby lock the punch in the tool.

With independent rotation of the locking plate with respect to the body member prevented, and the tool effectively locked as described, rotation of the punch with respect to the tool bit holder is prevented without resort to friction, or undue straining of the parts. It is to be understood that various other members can be locked in the tool instead of the punch 19, and the punch 19 is merely illustrative of the various members that can be used.

There is further provided a ratchet whereby the tool can be rotated in either direction as desired, and the ratchet includes a reduced diameter portion 3@ which projects upwardly or outwardly from the body member 22. The portion 30 of the body member 22 is provided with a plurality of radially disposed recesses 31, and rotatably engaging the portion 30 and surrounding the recesses 31 is a sleeve 33, Figures l and 2. A handle 32 extends from the sleeve 33 and is secured thereto or formed integral therewith, and a hand grip 34 is mounted on the outer end of the handle 32. The handle is providedwith a longitudinally extending passageway or bore 35, and a stem` 36 is reciprocably or slidably arranged in the bore 35.` The inner end of the stem 36 is tapered and shaped as required as at 37, and the end 37 is adapted to engage one of the recesses 31in thel portion 30. A linger piece 39 is secured tothe stem 36, and the finger piece 39 extends through a slot 40': in the handle 32 whereby by, means of the finger piece 39thersteml36fcan be` manually retracted against the pressure `of the coil Vspring 3 8, the coil spring 38 serving to normally bias or urge the stemto the position shown in Figure l;

An important feature of the tool is the lockout device, and a 'cutout may be provided for, receivingthe finger piece 39 when it is retractedV sufficiently for the stern end portion 37 to clear the recesses 31 of the portion 30 of the body member. Thusthe, slot 4.0'5is widened with a cutout 70 to receive the finger piece 39 when itis sufficiently retracted. The finger piece `3,9 is turned slightly and allowed to rest .against the end of the cutout 7 0 to thus free the ratchet action. VThe iiuted hand grip 51 shown in Figure 4 is especially suitable forthis purpose since it is possible to quickly run down a screw, nut or tool that requires a light torque through most of its travel. The release can be snapped and the ratchet completes the final tightening.

Projecting upwardly or outwardly from the body member 22 and formed integral therewith or secured thereto is a support member 40, and a head 41 is arranged in threaded engagement with the support member 40. The outer portion of the head 41 is flat as at 42 so that it can be readily hammered by means ofV a conventional hammer whereby the punch 19 can be driven into engagement with a suitable workpiece as desired. It is to be noted that the punch has a shortened shank so that it can be used in piercing metal, as for example roofing. The end 69 of the hollow bushing 16 acts as a stop sothat only the point and short straight portion of the punch pierces the metal and underlay. It is easily withdrawn by a quick twisting motion upward and the outer portion of the head 41 being iiat and hardened, can be used as a hammer or more specifically it can be hammered by a conventional hammer while punches, chiscls or the'like are supported in the tool holder.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawing there is shown a modified arrangement of the tool for heavy duty purposes. The body member 22 is used, but the base 10, locking plate 26, coil spring 74, and hollow bushing 16 are not used in this modification. A more compact base 68 is employed, and in this form of the invention` a square end drive 43 for ratchet wrenches is being supported in the tool, and the member 43 includes an inner shank 44 that is seated in the socket 24 in the body member 22. The work engaging outer end o-f the member 43 is indicated by the numeral 45, and a spring pressed ball 46 is provided for engagement with the wrench in the usual manner. An annular iiange 47 is secured to or formed integral with the member 43, and the flange abuts the end wall of the base 68. The shank 44 on the member 43 is provided with an opening 49 through which projects a pin 4S, and the pin 4S engagesr cutouts 56 in the shoulder 23, the pin preventing independent rotation of the member 43 relative to the tool. The cutouts 5t) are arranged diametrically opposite each other, and the cutouts 50 which receive the ends of the pin 48, communicate with the socket 24. Also, in Figures 4 and 5, a'hand grip 51 which may be made of any suitable material such as plastic or metal, is mounted on the support member 40 instead of the head 41, and the hand grip may be retained in place by means of the set screw 52. The hand grip 51, by virtue of its relatively large diameter, combined with the iluted and rounded surfaces, affords considerable torque, and is useful in running down nuts. The hand grip 51 fits the palm of the hand and greater downward thrust may be exerted to keep the tool bit in engagement with the workpiece.

In the previously described arrangement shown in Figures l and 2, a setpscrew is arranged Iin threaded engagement with a bore 54, and the; set screw 53 is` adapted in the tool in the sameV manner as the previouslyvdescribed shank of the punch 19. Thus, whenever a screwdriver is to be used in lieu of a punch or other tool, the parts need not be completely disassembled, It is only necessary to loosen the hollow bushing 16 suiciently to free the parts and then remove the punch. Then the screwdriver is inserted in the tool and the parts are assembled to clamp or lock the screwdriver therein. Also, as shown in Figure 6 a different head 57 may be arranged in engagement with the support member 40, and the head 57 maybe secured toy the support member 40 by means of a set screw 59. The head 57 may be provided with an interiorly threaded socket 58-for receiving the support portion 40, and a bar or T-nember may be extended through the head 57 whereby the entire tool can be manually rotated so that the screwdriver shank 56 will loosen or tighten a suitable securing element such as a screw bein g manipulated.

Referring to Figure 7 of the drawings there'is shown a still further modification wherein a different type of punch 60 is held by the tool, and another type of head 61 is being used. The head 61 may be secured in place by means of a set screw 62,

Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, there is shown a still further modified head which is adapted to be made of plastic, lead or other suitable material, and the head is indicated by the numeral 63. The head may be usedwhen thel tool is being tapped or struck as a mallet or the like so that damage to the parts being worked upon will be prevented. The plastic head 63 may have a casing or bracket 64 embedded or molded therein, and the casingr 64 is adapted to be arranged in threaded engagement with the support portion 40 of the body member 22. Flanges may extend outwardly from the casing 64 for helping to maintain the head 63 and casing 645ecured together. Y

Referring to Figure 9 of the drawings, there is shown in detail the cutout 27 of the locking plate 26 and the flat surface 28 which engages the ilat surface 21 of the shank 20. There is also shown the hooked ear of the lug 29 with the sides 67 which mate with thesides of the cutout 66. These features provide a positive locking action as previously described.

Referring to Figure l0 of the drawings there is shown a tool holder similar to that shown in Figure 2, but including a modified body member. The body member of Figure l0 is indicated generally by the numeral lO and includes a tapered bore 71 which is adapted to fit the tapered shank of certain rotary power or hand operated tools so that tools which have a shank with a at surface similar to the shank of the punch 19 or screwdriver 56, or a standard wood or iron drill bit with a modified shank, can be used. It is to be understood that still other modified body members having either a tapered shank, or a shank with straight sides throughout its entire length, or a shank interiorly or exteriorly threaded, can be used. Furthermore, direct attachment Vcan be brought about, or else a tool can be chucked in the tool holder of certain other power or hand operated tools.

From the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a tool which has many uses, and which can be used for example for holding a punch such as the punch 19 in Figures l and 2. Thus, the user may grip the hand grip 34 and then tap on the iiat surface 42 of the head J1 with a hammer so that the pointed end of the punch 19 will be driven into any desired workpiece. The locking plate 26 will retain the punch 19 in the tool,`and the ratchet including the stem 36 and recesses 31 permit rotation of the punch 19 if desired. To use the ratchet, the handle may be rotated in one direction and then before it is returned to its starting point or rotated in the opposite direction, the finger piece 39 is retracted or moved backwardly in the slot 40 to thereby move the tapered end 37 of the stem 36 out of engagement with the recesses 31 so that sleeve 33 is free to rotate on the reduced diameter portion 30. Then, manual pressure on the finger piece 39 can be released so that the spring 38 will move the parts to the position shown in Figure'l so that when the handle is rotated the entire tool will again be rotated whereby rotary motion can be imparted to any member being supported in the tool.

Instead of using the head 41, the head 51 can be used Y as shown in Figure 4, and also the member 43 can be used instead of the punch 19. Thus, when the member 43 is being used as shown in Figure 4, a socket wrench can be loosened or tightened as desired. In Figure 6 a screwdriver 56 is being held, and rotation of the tool can be accomplished by means of the T-bar 55. In Figure 7 a different type of punch 60 is shown being supported in the tool. By screwing in the set screw 54, the ratchet may be made immobile so that the tool can be used as a punch, chisel or the like. When using the handle including the parts 32 and 34, the tool will provide safety to the fingers and hands of the user and also there will be increased accuracy because the user can observe the point of contact at the workpiece. Also, a greater sense of balance will be achieved. By using the ratchet, it will be possible to run down a screw, nut or other member which requires a light torque during part or all of its travel.

The member 43 may fit conventional sockets. To greatly extend the usefulness of the tool, it has been in tegrated into one harmonized system by the modification of its means of attachment of the tool to various standard power and hand operated tools. Thus, the user of these tools is provided with a tool holder that affords quick interchangeability, finger tip pressure for locking the tool bit positively, and no key is required in its operation. Also, the present invention permits the user to use all of the tools when power is available, and the same tool bits can be used with the ratchet, T-bar and hand grip provided. A hand operated breast or other type drill can be arranged to receive the tool holder to expand the uses of the device. In one form of the invention or in the several modifications, there has been provided a tool which has many unique uses and which will also receive certain standard tools, and which can be used in conjunction with standard power and hand operated tools so that the effectiveness thereof will be increased.

It is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the tool within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a tool, a hollow base including an annular side wall having an exteriorly knurled portion and an end wall provided with a central threaded opening, a bushing arranged in threaded engagement with the threaded opening in said base, said bushing being provided with a longitudinally extending bore, a shank having a cylindrical portion projecting through said bore, said shank including a cutout portion defining a flat surface, a body member having a threaded shoulder threadedly engaging the inner surface of said base, there being a socket in said body member for receiving the inner end of said shank, a lip projecting from said shoulder, a locking plate provided with a cutout for the projection therethrough of said shank, said cutout defining a fiat section for engagement with the fiat portion of said shank, said body member having a bore for receiving a coil spring, said lip engaging a cutout for receiving a lug formed on one end of the locking plate, said spring pressed locking plate having a lug formed on its opposite end for receiving said spring, a ratchet including a reduced diameter portion extending upwardly from said body member and having a plurality of radially extending recesses, a sleeve rotatably engaging said reduced diameter portion, a handle extending outwardly from said sleeve and secured thereto, a spring pressed stem having its inner end mounted for movement into and out of engagement with said recesses, a finger piece secured to said stem for retracting the stem, there being a slot in said handle for the projection therethrough of said finger piece, said slot having a cutout forming part of a ratchet release, a threaded support member extending upwardly from said reduced diameter portion, and a head arranged in engagement with said support member. v

2. In a tool, a base including an annular side wall and an end wall provided with a central opening, a body member including a shoulder threadedly engaging said base, there being a socket in said body member, a shank having its inner end seated in said socket and provided with an opening, there being a pair of diametrically opposite cutouts in said shoulder, a pin extending through said cutouts and through the opening in said shank, and a ratchet including a reduced diameter portion extending upwardly from said body member and having a plurality of recesses, a sleeve rotatably engaging said reduced diameter portion, a handle extending outwardly from said sleeve and secured thereto, a spring pressed stem having its inner end engaging said recesses, a finger piece secured to said stem for retracting the stem, there being a slot in said handle for the projection therethrough of said finger piece, said slot having a cutout forming part of a ratchet release, a support'member extending upwardly from said reduced diameter portion, and a head arranged in engagement with said support member.

3. In a tool, a base, a body member, a head detachably connected to said body member, a ratchet provided with a plurality of recesses, a set screw engaging said recesses for maintaining said ratchet immobile, a sleeve, a handle extending outwardly from said sleeve and secured thereto, a spring pressed locking plate, a hollow bushing, a punch having a shortened shank so that with said punch securely locked in the tool, the shoulder of the punch will lie within the hollow bushing or coincide with the end of said hollow bushing, the end of the hollow bushing acting as an effectual depth stop for said punch.

4. In a tool, a base, an impact head integrallylor detachable connected to said base, a ratchetable head capable of being immobilized, a handle extending outwardly from said head and secured thereto, a body member detachably connected to said base, a bushing for receiving and supporting a work engaging member, a locking device for chucking said work engaging member, said impact head suitable for striking as a hammer, or being struck by a conventional hammer.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,413,243 Thompson Apr. 18, 1922 1,421,792 Linden July 4, 1922 1,428,840 Gates Sept. 12, 1922 FOREIGN PATENTS 498,276 France Oct. 11, 1919 

